Ford Mustang Mach-E
Credit: Ford
May 4, 2025 - The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) reports last week, the House passed four Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions addressing environmental waivers and rules issued during the Biden administration, each tied to California-specific standards or policy decisions. All four joint resolutions now await Senate consideration.
- House Joint Resolution 88 – Repeal of California Gasoline Vehicle Ban. On May 1, the House approved a resolution to repeal an EPA waiver that allowed California to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The waiver, issued during the Biden administration, permitted California to adopt stricter emissions standards aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The resolution passed by a vote of 246–164, with support from 211 Republicans and 35 Democrats. All 164 votes in opposition came from Democrats.
- House Joint Resolution 78 – Reversal of California Fish Endangered Species Listing. On May 1, the House approved a resolution to overturn a 2023 rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the longfin smelt—a fish native to California’s Bay-Delta region—as endangered. The agency cited habitat degradation and climate-related threats as the basis for the designation. The resolution to reverse this listing passed by a vote of 216 -195 , with support from 213 Republicans and 3 Democrats. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) was the only Republican to vote against the resolution. Twenty-two Members did not vote.
- House Joint Resolution 87 – Repeal of California Heavy-Duty Truck Waiver. On April 30, the House passed a resolution disapproving of an EPA waiver that allowed California to adopt more stringent emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, including the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, zero-emission mandates for airport shuttles and powertrains, and expanded warranty requirements. The measure was approved by a vote of 231–191, with support from 218 Republicans and 13 Democrats. One Republican, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), voted against the resolution, and 11 Members did not vote.
- House Joint Resolution 89 – Repeal of California Low-NOx Emissions Waiver. Later that same day, the House passed a second resolution disapproving of an EPA waiver authorizing California’s “Omnibus” low-NOx regulation for trucks and heavy-duty engines. This regulation permits California to enforce more stringent nitrogen oxide emission limits than those required under federal law. The resolution passed by a vote of 225 – 196, with 215 Republicans and 10 Democrats voting in favor. One Republican, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), voted no; 12 Members did not vote.
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-seven member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Source: RCRC
